Matt needed an online collaborative art studio where art students could remotely participate in drawing or painting sessions. Some users required restricted access, while others only needed to view the board in real-time. The system needed to handle up to 40 students seamlessly and include features such as saving and loading work, as well as an easy way to share access through a QR code.
I developed a solution using a few key technologies to ensure the system met all his needs.
To build this solution, I used TLDraw for the studio and collaboration features. On the front end, I employed React, while Node powered the back end. The application was hosted on DigitalOcean Ubuntu servers, and I utilized Docker for containerization. Additionally, I configured the DNS to ensure everything ran smoothly.
Matt's budget was a key consideration, so I worked closely with him to define a clear scope of work. I ensured that every requirement was met within his budget and delivered more than he expected. Initially, he wanted a working proof of concept, but I provided a stable, full-fledged solution that allowed him to move forward without needing immediate further development.
With over 20 years of experience, I leveraged my expertise to deliver a reliable and scalable solution. Matt had specific concerns about using WebSockets for real-time collaboration, but I reassured him of my proficiency in this technology and explained my approach. I ensured every aspect of the system was robust and well-suited to his needs.
Initially, Matt was understandably anxious about the project. However, after our discussions and my reassurances, his confidence grew. I provided regular updates, allowing him to see progress in real time. This iterative approach helped ease his concerns, and he was very pleased with the quality and speed of the work. He often praised the results, highlighting his appreciation for my hard work.
With the final solution in hand, Matt was able to bring his online collaborative art sessions to life. The platform allowed users to join remotely and collaborate in real time, which was particularly important for those unable to attend in person. The system worked seamlessly, enabling Matt to build a thriving online art community.
The solution was delivered well ahead of schedule—within two weeks—and I accommodated some of Matt's ad hoc requests along the way. The final product exceeded his expectations, running smoothly on secure servers located close to him, which provided excellent performance. We maintained strong communication throughout, and Matt knows he can reach out to me anytime for future discussions or follow-up work.
It was an absolute delight working with Johnathan. He's extremely clear in his communication and very professional in his approach.